Day Trips and Tours from Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv resides on the Mediterranean coastline of Israel. It is the largest city in the Gush Dan metropolitan area with nearly a half-million people. The city is booming economically and hosts many tourists looking to see the sights before embarking on day trips from Tel Aviv.

In fact, Tel Aviv welcomes over 2.5 million international visitors each year, with many on a special pilgrimage to the religious heart of Israel sacred to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In addition to its religious significance, Tel Aviv is also the “party capital” of the Middle East with a lively city that never sleeps culture.

Tel Aviv is relatively modern as the city only dates to the early 20th century; however, its cultural, religious, and social impact dates way further back in the history of the world. The city translates to represent “Tell of Spring”, which symbolizes a great legacy that has been renewed following the creation of Tel Aviv in 1909.

There are many offerings in Tel Aviv from its diverse entertainment and performing arts to abundant city life. Tel Aviv is one of the most popular tourist destinations for the LGBT community, as well as renowned for world-class restaurants and an ample supply of sushi establishments.

It is the fifth most visited city in the Middle East and Africa as well as ranks high in numerous regional tourism awards. “The city that never sleeps” attracts young travelers with a thriving nightlife and city promenade on the beaches. Families value the museums and landmarks along with day trips from Tel Aviv, which take visitors to prominent religious cities and ancient towns in the region.

Masada

Masada is the name of a National Park and a fortress located on a rock plateau in the desert park. Masada is located southeast of Tel Aviv along the Dead Sea. The isolated rock plateau containing the fortress presents outstanding views of the surrounding area.

The Masada fortress dates to 37 to 31 BCE by Herod the Great. The ruler sought to establish two palaces for himself on the mountain. However, the fort got sieged by Roman troops at the end of the First Jewish-Roman War. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a museum with findings from the archaeological findings preserved at the location. Most of the artifacts from the exhibit have only been available since the 1960s when they were discovered.

Masada National Park offers hiking from the museum. The Snake Trail and The Roman Ramp are the most popular hikes in the national park. Get an early start (especially in the summer) to avoid strenuous heat. A cable car is also available to take travelers to the top of the hill.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is approximately 65 km east of Tel Aviv on your travels to the Dead Sea. The legendary city exists on a plateau wedged between the Judean Mountains, which separate the Mediterranean from the Dead Sea.

Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and a holy place for the three major religions of the world: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The ancient town has endured getting destroyed at least twice with numerous conflicts over the centuries to claim its domain.

The City of David indicates that the area was inhabited in the 4th millennium BCE. City walls that define the Old City remain from the 16th century. The walls divide the four quarters of the religious center (Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim). Each quarter has its own culture, traditions, and amenities.

Jerusalem is home to several quintessential religious sites, including the Temple Mount with the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, and the Garden Tomb. It is a part of an essential pilgrimage that many people, of several faiths, travel to Tel Aviv each year and make the short day trip across to Jerusalem.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a short drive south from Jerusalem. As a result, many travelers combine the two stops on Tel Aviv day trips departing daily from the coastal city. Bethlehem means “House of Bread” in Hebrew, while the Arabic translation is “House of Meat”.

Regardless of the title, Bethlehem is a significant religious site in Israel. Today, the city only has about 25,000 residents yet receives thousands of more visitors. Bethlehem caters to tourists, including a large draw of Christians during the pilgrimage around Christmasbleading to the Church of the Nativity. Additionally, Rachel’s Tomb, a prominent Jewish holy site, is in the city as well.

The Hebrew Bible asserts that Bethlehem is where David became the King of Israel. Meanwhile, the Christian Bible identifies the city as the birthplace of Jesus, which is why tourism is high around Christmas. However, keeping in tradition with the melting pot of Israel, the country is currently supported by a Muslim majority.

Nazareth

Nazareth is the largest city in the Northern District of Israel. It provides an alternative Tel Aviv day trip compared to heading east toward Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Dead Sea. Following the Mediterranean Sea up the coast leads to the beautiful city of Nazareth.

The city is the “Arab Capital of Israel” based on its reputation. While predominantly Muslim, there is a significant portion of Christian followers too. Christians value Nazareth as the childhood home of Jesus. As a result, many believers take a Christian pilgrimage each year to shrines and other landmarks in the region celebrating the life of Jesus Christ.

Muslim holy sites in Nazareth include The Shrine of al-Sheikh Amer, Makam Ela-Nabi Sa’in Mosque, and The Shrine of Shihab ad-Din. Nazareth also contains archaeological findings, including a venerated area near the Basilica of the Annunciation, Kokh tombs, and an old Roman house.

Tiberias

Tiberias is a beautiful city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Scheduling Tel Aviv day trips that depart north toward the ancient town are readily available and worth securing a guided tour.

The city remains relatively small, with a population of 44,250 inhabitants. Tiberias was established around 20 CE and named after the second emperor of the Roman Empire. Judaism considers Tiberias one of the Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Safed, and Hebron.

Tiberias also features ancient hot springs which have been said to cure skin and other ailments for thousands of years. Taking a Tel Aviv day trip to Tiberias may include a stop at the hot springs along with other destinations in the area like Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is legendary with references in the bible and other historical texts. The salt lake shares borders with Israel along with Jordan and the West Bank. The Dead Sea sits nearly 1,500 feet below sea level and therefore is the lowest elevation on land in the world. The water is also incredibly salty, with a far higher concentration compared to the ocean. Therefore, people float more in the water than swim in it.

The unique landscape has served as a popular tourist destination for centuries. It was one of the world’s first health resorts and supplied the ancient Egyptians with several vital materials.

Despite a receding surface area, the Dead Sea is still a common place to see in the region. Your Tel Aviv day trip offers sightseeing opportunities and dips into the salty water. The rest of the Jordan Rift Valley is barren in nature but is a fantastic place to see during your time in Israel.

Petra

Petra, known initially as Raqmu, is a historical site in southern Jordan. A day trip from Tel Aviv offers access to the archaeological site along the Jabal Al-Madbah basin. The scenery in the area is noteworthy with mountains that form on the eastern flank along with the Dead Sea and Gulf of Aqaba.

The history of Petra dates thousands of years with the earliest known civilizations in 7,000 BC. The Nabateans were in the area between the 4th and 2nd century BC. The nomadic Arabs created a major trading center in the region.

Today, Petra is renowned as a historic site that remains well preserved. Petra has survived destruction from the Roman empire and major earthquake. Access through a gorge known as the Siq takes travelers to the rock-cut architecture. Find out why many refer to the area as “Rose City”.

Israel’s Mediterranean Coast

The Mediterranean Coast that is part of Israel, has a day’s worth of adventure. Popular tour stops include attractions like Baha’i Gardens in Haifa and Rosh Hanikra. The ancient port city of Acree in Western Galilee is another famous attraction along the Mediterranean Coast.

Travelers have a unique chance to see ancient Roman ruins in Caesarea before marveling at the terrace of Baha’i Gardens. The natural limestone grottos at Rosh Hanikra are legendary and deliver many photo opportunities

Learn more about these unique places, including two registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A knowledgeable guide will teach you more about the area and all it has to offer!